Michigan

Davison council OKs Flint Street project

DAVISON — The City Council has given the go-ahead to resurfacing and reconfiguring about a seven-block stretch of East Flint Street from State Street (M-15) to the east city limits.

The project that calls for a 20 percent local match from gasoline taxes is expected to begin in 2011, possibly after the annual Festival of Flags.

The council Monday authorized completion of construction design in compliance with Michigan Department of Transportation requirements. The city also has tentatively scheduled to resurface a portion of Main Street in 2013.

“I wasn’t in favor of this originally, but I do think this will be a good move,” said Councilman Roger Lutze before supporting the Flint Street project.

The project is estimated to cost $600,000, with the city picking up $120,000 of the amount and the rest coming from the federal government. Outgoing City Manager Dale Martin said the city’s share probably won’t show up until the 2011-2012 budget.

The street, known as Davison Road outside city limits, will be reconfigured from four lanes to three lanes with bicycle lanes on either side. The center lane will be for left turns. In addition, an island will be placed near City Hall to make it easier for pedestrians to cross to the shopping area on the north side of Flint Street. Other features include new handicapped-accessible sidewalk ramps, closure of the East Flint Street parking lot entrance to City Hall and a new entrance to the parking lot off Davison Street.

Affected residents were notified before the vote. Mayor Fred “Mac” Fortner said any ideas would be welcome even after the vote.